At Monko, we believe that wellness should never come at the cost of your personal privacy. As we’ve welcomed more and more patients into our community, one question has come up time and time again:
“Will my job find out if I get a medical cannabis card?”
It’s a valid concern—especially in today’s digital world, where it feels like nothing is private anymore. But here’s the truth: your medical cannabis patient status in Washington, D.C. is 100% confidential and protected by law.
Let’s break it down so you can feel confident and secure in your choice to pursue wellness through the medical cannabis program.
Who Manages Medical Cannabis Records in D.C.?
All medical cannabis patient data in Washington, D.C. is managed by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA). ABCA is the regulatory body overseeing the medical cannabis program, and they are legally required to protect your information.
Your name, your condition, your card number, and any supporting documentation you submit are never made public. You are not placed on any searchable list, and your records are never reported to your employer, your insurance company, or any other agency without your permission.
What Does the Law Say?
D.C.’s rules around confidentiality are outlined in Title 22-C, Chapter 1100 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations. Here’s a breakdown of what’s legally protected:
📋 1100.1
The Board shall maintain a confidential list of qualifying patients and caregivers to whom it has issued registration identification cards.
This means ABCA keeps a secure list of cardholders—but it is not shared with the public or employers.
🔐 1100.2
All information obtained by the Board relating to qualifying patients and caregivers shall be confidential and subject to the protections of the District’s privacy laws and privileges.
Specifically, the following are protected:
Your application and any supporting information
Your name and any other identifying details
The certification from your healthcare provider
Your card number and ID details
Any information about your medical condition(s)
These protections are as strong as those for any other sensitive medical record.
🔒 1100.3
ABCA employees may access records only as necessary to perform their official duties.
In other words, your information is on a need-to-know basis only—and only for people directly involved in helping manage the program.
👮 1100.4
The Board shall verify to law enforcement personnel whether a registration identification card is valid.
Even here, the only thing ABCA will confirm is whether your card is real—not why you have it or what your condition is.
🏛️ 1100.5
Confidential information may only be disclosed in the course of a judicial or administrative proceeding if there is an official court order.
And even in the rare case of a court order, only specifically authorized information can be released.
These protections are not just good policy—they are law.
Will My Employer Know If I Get a Card?
No. Your employer will not be notified when you register for a medical card. There is no automatic report to HR, and there is no way for them to “look you up” in a system to see if you are a registered medical patient.
Medical cannabis records are treated just like other protected health information under District law. Employers cannot access your registration, your medical condition, or your purchase history without your consent or a legal order.
Is My Information Stored Securely?
Yes. All patient records are securely stored in ABCA’s private system. It is encrypted, password-protected, and only accessible by a limited number of trained employees at the agency.
At no point are your medical records stored by dispensaries like Monko. We verify your medical card through the ABCA system when you shop, but we do not hold onto any sensitive documents or health history.
What About Federal Law?
Cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug at the federal level, which can understandably cause concern. But Washington, D.C.’s medical program is a local system regulated by ABCA, and all records remain within the jurisdiction of D.C. law—which prioritizes patient privacy.
Unless you are applying for a federal security clearance or federal employment where drug use (even medical) is explicitly prohibited, your medical cannabis card status is unlikely to ever appear in any federal background check.
And even then, disclosure would typically come from self-reporting—not from access to your medical records.
Why Does This Matter?
We know that stigma still exists. Many of our patients are professionals, caretakers, educators, or people with high-responsibility jobs who want to explore cannabis for their health and wellness—but they worry it might jeopardize their career or reputation.
Our job is to help you make informed decisions, with all the facts. So here’s the bottom line:
You can apply for a medical card with confidence.
Your information is protected by law.
Your card status is not visible to employers or the public.
You are not alone in your journey—thousands of D.C. residents use cannabis safely and discreetly as part of their wellness routine.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here for you. If you’d like help registering for your medical card or want to talk to someone confidentially about your options, visit us in-store or send us a message. Our team is trained, supportive, and ready to walk you through the process step-by-step.
For more on the legal language, you can read the full text of Title 22-C, Chapter 1100: Medical Marijuana Patient Records on the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations website.
Welcome to wellness—with privacy, protection, and peace of mind.
Your journey is yours, and we’re proud to support it.
